Convention Travel with Family
Bringing a Spouse and Kids Along on Conference and Conventions
Aug 20, 2009
Conventions can provide a great opportunity to do double duty working and playing at a bargain, or they can be a nightmare in which you are pulled all directions.
Before you decide to bring a spouse and/or kids along on your next convention or conference, there are a few things to consider (and to ask). Here are some guidelines:
Will There be Convention Activities for the Family?
The first thing to consider is whether there will be anything for the family to do while you are in meetings, sessions or other conference-related activities. If you aren't sure, ask the conference venue or organizers. The more people press this question, the more that conventions will begin to offer these activities. For example:
- Some conferences also offer side activities or excursions for spouses, significant others and children. Others offer on-site babysitting or children's camps.
- Research the hotel location to see if there is much for family members to do on their own, even if it isn't an organized activity.
- Some cities have wonderful options for family members within walking distance or a short drive (or a hotel shuttle ride away). Some attractions offer discounts for people attending popular conventions.
Will I Have Time to Spend with the Family?
If you are taking the family, you probably want to at least see them once or twice during the getaway. That's especially true if you hope to make a convention double as a family vacation. Here are a few ways to find time with the family:
- Go to the conference a day or two early, or stay a day or two late. That will allow the best of both worlds: the benefit of time spent working, with the freedom to do fun things with the family before or after things get hectic.
- Set a certain meal (or all meals) each day to have with the family, even if it means missing out on some networking time. A daily breakfast, lunch or dinner as a routine throughout the conference can make everyone feel a little more connected.
- Scour the schedule for sessions you can skip (if it won't get you fired if it is a work-related conference) or lulls in the programming and plan to do something with the family, even if it's just hanging out at the hotel for 45 minutes together. Bring a card game or a small portable activity to do together that can be tucked into a pocket or purse.
What are the Benefits of Taking Family to a Conference?
- You can often times get a family vacation at a discount by combining travel provided by work (or a professional development conference you would be paying to do regardless) with the expenses of a vacation. Rooms can be shared. If you are driving, transportation cost is the same.
- It can be a chance to give your family a small peek at your professional side.
- It can be a way to attend a conference without missing your partner or children.
What are the Disadvantages of Taking Family to a Conference?
- It can be expensive if you need to fly the whole family or spent a lot on activities, tours and sightseeing. Meals for families are rarely covered in conferences.
- It can be stressful. Conferences and conventions have a very hectic and demanding pace, and having spouses and children place demands for attention and time in addition can be tough.
The copyright of the article Convention Travel with Family in Family Travel is owned by Kelby Carr. Permission to republish Convention Travel with Family in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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